Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following commentary should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes presented in this report. Within the tables presented throughout this discussion, certain columns may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages and earnings per share amounts presented are calculated from the underlying amounts. References to years throughout this discussion relate to our fiscal years, which end on September 30.
Company Overview
Description of the Company and Business Segments
Becton, Dickinson and Company (“BD”) is a global medical technology company engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products used by healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. The Company's organizational structure is based upon three principal business segments, BD Medical (“Medical”), BD Life Sciences (“Life Sciences”) and BD Interventional (“Interventional”).
BD’s products are manufactured and sold worldwide. Our products are marketed in the United States and internationally through independent distribution channels and directly to end-users by BD and independent sales representatives. We organize our operations outside the United States as follows: EMEA (which includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa); Greater Asia (which includes countries in Greater China, Japan, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Korea, Australia and New Zealand); Latin America (which includes Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America); and Canada. We continue to pursue growth opportunities in emerging markets, which include the following geographic regions: Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (collectively referred to below as “EMA”), as well as, Latin America and certain countries within Greater Asia.
Strategic Objectives
BD remains focused on delivering durable growth, creating shareholder value and making appropriate investments for the future. BD 2025, our vehicle for value creation, is anchored in three key pillars: grow, simplify and empower. BD's management team aligns our operating model and investments with these key strategic pillars through continuous focus on the following underlying objectives:
Grow
•Accelerating innovation in smart devices, robotics, analytics, and artificial intelligence in order to enable new care settings, improve outcomes, streamline care workflows, and reduce costs within healthcare settings;
•Focusing on a strong portfolio of core leading products, solutions and services that deliver greater benefits to patients, healthcare workers and researchers;
•Investing in research and development that leads to and expands category leadership, as well as results in a robust product pipeline;
•Leveraging our global scale in order to provide equitable access to affordable medical technologies around the world, including in under-resourced markets;
•Supplementing our internal growth through strategic acquisitions in faster growing market segments; and
•Focusing on cash management and an efficient capital structure in order to drive balance sheet productivity and strong shareholder returns.
Simplify
•Driving operating effectiveness and margin expansion through deployment of our BD Excellence program to increase factory productivity and asset efficiencies;
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•Reducing complexity, increasing agility and improving customer experience by rationalizing our product portfolio, as well as by simplifying and optimizing our architecture and operating model;
•Making strategic investments that prioritize a culture of quality and our quality management system to ensure we are a best-in-class, proactive quality-driven organization;
•Enhancing customer experiences through the digitalization of internal processes and go-to-market approaches;
•Collaborating across our supply chain to responsibly source materials and goods, as well as to reduce environmental impacts; and
•Continuing our investments in an enterprise-wide renewable energy strategy to create more resilient operations.
Empower
•Fostering a purpose-driven culture with a focus on positive impact to all stakeholders–customers, patients, employees, shareholders and communities;
•Cultivating an inclusive work environment that welcomes and celebrates diverse backgrounds and perspectives;
•Growing and enabling talent through training, development and reskilling strategies; and
•Driving sustainability initiatives within our organizational units to support enterprise-wide collaboration towards our sustainability strategy.
In assessing the outcomes of these strategies as well as BD’s financial condition and operating performance, management generally reviews forecast data, monthly actual results, including segment sales, and other similar information. We also consider trends related to certain key financial data, including gross profit margin, selling and administrative expense, investment in research and development, return on invested capital, and cash flows.
Acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care Product Group
On September 3, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care product group (“Critical Care”), which we renamed as BD Advanced Patient Monitoring (“Advanced Patient Monitoring”), for total consideration of $3.911 billion. Advanced Patient Monitoring is a global leader in advanced monitoring solutions that expands BD’s portfolio of smart connected care solutions with its growing set of leading monitoring technologies, advanced AI-enabled clinical decision tools and robust innovation pipeline that complement our existing technologies serving operating rooms and intensive care units.
BD reports the results associated with Advanced Patient Monitoring’s product offerings as a separate organizational unit within our Medical segment and additional disclosures relating to this acquisition are provided in Notes 8, 11 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
BD’s Spin-Off of Diabetes Care and Sale of Surgical Instrumentation Platform
In August 2023, we completed the sale of the Interventional segment's Surgical Instrumentation platform. The historical financial results for this platform have not been classified as a discontinued operation.
In April 2022, we completed the spin-off of our former Diabetes Care business as a separate publicly traded company. The historical results of the Diabetes Care business that was contributed in the spin-off were reflected as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements.
Additional disclosures regarding the sale and spin-off are provided in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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Key Trends Affecting Results of Operations
Our operations, supply chain, suppliers and customers are exposed to various global macroeconomic factors and we continually evaluate macroeconomic conditions to assess their potential impact to our operations and financial results. Macroeconomic factors which affected our operations and impacted results in fiscal year 2024 included the following:
•As anticipated, market dynamics in China, such as volume-based procurement programs (“VoBP”) and the government’s focus to improve compliance of healthcare practitioners, had an adverse impact on our results of operations and these dynamics could continue to unfavorably impact our results of operations.
•As is further discussed below, our labor costs were generally higher in our fiscal year 2024 compared with the prior-year period.
We have experienced, and may continue to experience, temporary shortages in supply of certain materials or components that are used in our products. The stable flow of global transport is critical to our operations and as such, events affecting the flow of logistics around the globe may adversely impact our supply chain and distribution channels. In general, major disruptions in the sourcing, manufacturing and distribution of our products could adversely impact our results of operations.
In addition, current healthcare delivery has transitioned more care from acute to non-acute settings and has increased focus on chronic disease management; this transition has placed additional financial pressure on hospitals and the broader healthcare system. Healthcare institutions may take actions to mitigate any persistent pressures on their budgets and such actions could impact the future demand for our products and services. Additionally, a deterioration of staffing levels within healthcare systems may affect the prioritization of healthcare services, which could also impact the demand for certain of our products. Also, reductions or delays in governmental research funding and/or higher interest rates could cause customers for our instruments and reagents to delay or forgo purchases of these products.
Certain geopolitical conditions, including the evolving situations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Asia, may impact global macroeconomic conditions, including those discussed above. While these geopolitical conditions have not materially impacted our results of operations to date, the continuation and/or an escalation of these evolving situations may weaken the global economy and could result in additional inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints, including the unavailability and cost of energy.
We continue to invest in research and development, strategic tuck-in acquisitions, geographic expansion, and new product programs to drive further revenue and profit growth. Our ability to sustain our long-term growth will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to expand our core business (including strategic geographical expansion), and develop innovative new products, as well as continue to improve operating efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
We have been mitigating the impacts of the macroeconomic and other factors discussed above through various strategies which leverage our procurement, logistics and manufacturing capabilities. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively mitigate these pressures in future periods and an inability to offset these pressures through our strategies, at least in part, could adversely impact our results of operations. Due to the significant uncertainty that exists relative to the duration and overall impact of the macroeconomic and other factors discussed above, our future operating performance, particularly in the short-term, may be subject to volatility. The impacts of macroeconomic and other conditions on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows are dependent on certain factors, including those discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.
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Summary of Financial Results
Worldwide revenues in 2024 of $20.178 billion increased 4.2% from the prior-year period. This increase reflected the following impacts:
Increase (decrease) in current-year revenues
Volume/other (a) 4.2 %
Pricing 0.7 %
Foreign currency impact (0.1) %
Impact due to sale of Surgical Instrumentation platform (0.7) %
Acquisition of Advanced Patient Monitoring 0.4 %
Other (b) (0.3) %
Increase in revenues from the prior-year period 4.2 %
(a) Volume/other includes revenues attributable to products, services and licensing.
(b) Represents the recognition of accruals resulting from recent developments relating to the Italian government medical device pay back legislation, as well as another legal matter, and which substantially relate to years prior to the current fiscal year. Additional disclosures regarding these legislative and legal matters are provided in Notes 6 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our financial position remains strong, with cash flows from continuing operating activities totaling $3.844 billion in 2024. At September 30, 2024, we had $2.301 billion in cash and equivalents and short-term investments, including restricted cash. We continued to return value to our shareholders in the form of dividends and during fiscal year 2024, we paid cash dividends to common shareholders of $1.100 billion.
Each reporting period, we face currency exposure that arises from translating the results of our worldwide operations to the U.S. dollar at exchange rates that fluctuate from the beginning of such period. The fiscal year 2024 impact of foreign currency translation on our revenues is provided above and the impact on our earnings is provided further below. We evaluate our results of operations on both a reported and a foreign currency-neutral basis, which excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. As exchange rates are an important factor in understanding period-to-period comparisons, we believe the presentation of results on a foreign currency-neutral basis in addition to reported results helps improve investors’ ability to understand our operating results and evaluate our performance in comparison to prior periods. Foreign currency-neutral ("FXN") information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. We use results on a foreign currency-neutral basis as one measure to evaluate our performance. We calculate foreign currency-neutral percentages by converting our current-period local currency financial results using the prior-period foreign currency exchange rates and comparing these adjusted amounts to our current-period results. These results should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, results reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Results on a foreign currency-neutral basis, as we present them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not measures of performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Results of Operations
Updates to Financial Results Reported in Earnings Release
On November 7, 2024, we furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K that included as an exhibit a press release announcing our financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 (the “Earnings Release”). On November 22, 2024 and subsequent to furnishing the Earnings Release, we received the Dispensing Warning Letter, as more fully discussed under Item 1. Business— Regulation—FDA
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Warning Letters. A charge of $28 million to recognize our currently estimated liability for future costs expected to be incurred to address the non-conformities identified in the Dispensing Warning Letter was recorded to Cost of products sold for the three-month period and fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. The charge, which is included in the “Specified Items” section below, impacted our financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as follows:
•Cost of product sold (from $11.025 billion reported in the Earnings Release to $11.053 billion);
•Operating Income (from $2.425 billion reported in the Earnings Release to $2.397 billion);
•Net Income from Continuing Operations (from $1.726 billion reported in the Earnings Release to $1.705 billion); and
•Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations (from $5.93 reported in the Earnings Release to $5.86).
Medical Segment
The following summarizes Medical revenues by organizational unit:
Advanced Patient Monitoring 74 — — NM NM NM NM NM NM
"NM" denotes that the percentage change is not meaningful.
The Medical segment’s revenue growth in 2024 primarily reflected the following.
•Strong global demand for the Medication Delivery Solutions unit’s Vascular Access Management portfolio, as well as strong U.S. demand for medication delivery products, partially offset by the impact of unfavorable market dynamics in China.
•Double-digit growth in sales of infusion systems, as well as higher utilization of infusion sets within the Medication Management Solutions unit, partially offset by an unfavorable comparison to stronger placements of dispensing solutions in 2023.
•Double-digit growth in sales of the Pharmaceutical Systems unit’s prefillable solutions in the biologic drug category, partially offset by customer order patterns relating to other drug categories.
•Overall Medical segment revenue growth in 2024 also reflected the acquired Advanced Patient Monitoring unit’s sales beginning on September 3, 2024.
The Medical segment’s revenue growth in 2023 primarily reflected the following.
•Strong global sales of catheters and other vascular care products in the Medication Delivery Solutions unit were partially offset by the impact of VoBP in China and lower COVID vaccination-related revenues in 2023 compared with these revenues in 2022.
•Strong performance of the Medication Management Solutions unit’s pharmacy automation portfolio, including Parata Systems, which we acquired in fiscal year 2022, and our BD RowaTM technologies, as well as strong growth in sales of dispensing systems. Revenue growth attributable to the unit’s recent acquisitions was approximately 9.3% in 2023.
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•Continued strong demand for the Pharmaceutical Systems unit’s prefillable solutions in high-growth markets such as the biologic drug category.
Medical segment operating income was as follows:
Segment operating income as % of Medical revenues 27.2 % 20.7 % 25.1 %
The Medical segment's operating income as a percentage of revenues in 2024 and 2023, compared with the prior-year periods, reflected the following:
•The Medical segment’s higher gross profit margin in 2024 compared with 2023 primarily reflected the following:
◦A favorable comparison to gross margin in 2023, which was impacted by $653 million of charges related to estimated future costs associated with the Medication Management Solutions unit’s remediation efforts related to AlarisTM infusion pumps, as well as lower manufacturing costs, which resulted from continuous improvement projects and other productivity initiatives that enhanced the efficiency of our operations; partially offset by
◦An unfavorable impact of $59 million due to a fair value step-up adjustment relating to Advanced Patient Monitoring's inventory on the acquisition date, higher raw material and labor costs, as well as unfavorable foreign currency translation.
•The Medical segment’s lower gross profit margin in 2023 compared with 2022 primarily reflected the following:
◦The $653 million of charges noted above related to product remediation efforts compared with charges in 2022 related to the same efforts of $72 million. The fiscal year 2023 charge impacted gross margin by approximately 6.9%.
◦Higher raw material, labor and freight costs, as well as unfavorable foreign currency translation; partially offset by
◦Lower manufacturing costs resulting from continuous improvement projects and pricing.
•Lower selling and administrative expense as a percentage of revenues in 2024 compared with 2023 primarily reflected revenue growth that outpaced spending and lower shipping costs. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of revenues in 2023 was lower compared with 2022 due to lower selling and shipping costs.
•Research and development expense as a percentage of revenues in 2024 was lower compared with 2023, and in 2023 compared with 2022, which reflected revenue growth that outpaced project spending.
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Life Sciences Segment
The following summarizes Life Sciences revenues by organizational unit:
The Life Sciences segment’s revenue growth in 2024 primarily reflected the following:
•Strong growth in sales of the Integrated Diagnostic Solutions unit’s specimen management portfolio, partially offset by an unfavorable comparison to higher respiratory testing revenues in 2023, including COVID-19-only diagnostic testing revenues.
•Strong demand for the Biosciences unit’s clinical reagents, offset by a decline in sales of the unit’s instrumentation due to a decline in life science research funding, primarily in the United States and China.
The Life Sciences segment's revenues in 2023 primarily reflected the following:
•Revenues related to COVID-19-only diagnostic testing on the BD VeritorTM Plus and BD MaxTM Systems in the Integrated Diagnostic Solutions unit of $73 million compared with revenues in 2022 of $511 million and an unfavorable comparison to stronger sales in 2022 of the Integrated Diagnostic Solutions unit’s combination influenza/COVID-19 testing assays, as well as destocking of specimen management products by U.S. distributors in 2023; partially offset by
•Growth in the Integrated Diagnostic Solutions unit’s microbiology platform and growth attributable to molecular diagnostic platforms which leveraged our larger installed base of BD MAXTM instruments.
•Strong growth in sales of the Biosciences unit’s reagents and instruments, including recently launched research instruments.
Life Sciences segment operating income was as follows:
Life Sciences segment operating income $ 1,595 $ 1,585 $ 1,710
Segment operating income as % of Life Sciences revenues 30.7 % 30.9 % 30.7 %
The Life Sciences segment's operating income as a percentage of revenues in 2024 and 2023, compared with the prior-year periods, reflected the following:
•The Life Sciences segment’s lower gross profit margin in 2024 compared with 2023 primarily reflected higher raw material and labor costs, as well as declines in respiratory illness-related revenues and unfavorable foreign currency translation, partially offset by lower manufacturing costs resulting from continuous improvement projects and other productivity initiatives.
•The Life Sciences segment’s higher gross profit margin in fiscal year 2023 compared with 2022 primarily reflected the following:
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◦Favorable impacts in 2023 from price and continuous improvement projects in our manufacturing facilities; partially offset by
◦The decline in COVID-19-only testing revenues and a decline in licensing income compared with 2022, as well as higher raw material and labor costs in 2023.
•Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of revenues in 2024 was higher compared with 2023, which primarily reflected lower costs in 2023. Lower selling and administrative expense as a percentage of revenues in 2023 compared with 2022 primarily reflected lower selling costs and efforts to contain certain administrative costs.
•Lower research and development expense as a percentage of revenues in 2024 compared with 2023 primarily reflected the progression of current projects. Higher research and development expense as a percentage of revenues in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily reflected the decline in segment revenues in 2023 compared with the prior-year period.
Interventional Segment
The following summarizes Interventional revenues by organizational unit:
The Interventional segment’s revenue growth in 2024 primarily reflected the following:
•Strong growth in sales across the Surgery unit’s advanced repair and reconstruction platforms, as well as its infection prevention products; the prior-year period’s revenues included $140 million attributable to the unit’s former Surgical Instrumentation platform, which was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023.
•Double-digit growth attributable to the Peripheral Intervention unit’s peripheral vascular disease platform, partially offset by a decline in sales of our oncology products due to customer ordering patterns and market dynamics in China.
•Double-digit growth in sales of the Urology and Critical Care unit’s PureWickTM offerings and current-year licensing revenue.
The Interventional segment’s revenue growth in 2023 primarily reflected the following:
•Double-digit growth in global sales of the Surgery unit’s advanced repair and reconstruction platforms, as well as strong growth in sales of biosurgery products, was partially offset by a decline in revenues attributable to the sale of the Surgical Instrumentation platform in the fourth quarter.
•Growth driven by global market penetration of the Peripheral Intervention unit’s peripheral vascular disease platform was partially offset by the impact of planned strategic portfolio exits.
•Continued strong demand for the Urology and Critical Care unit’s PureWickTM offerings in the acute and alternative care settings.
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Interventional segment operating income was as follows:
Interventional segment operating income $ 1,420 $ 1,217 $ 1,081
Segment operating income as % of Interventional revenues 28.5 % 25.7 % 24.2 %
The Interventional segment's operating income as a percentage of revenues in 2024 and 2023, compared with the prior-year periods, reflected the following:
•The Interventional segment’s higher gross profit margin in 2024 compared with 2023 primarily reflected favorable impacts from product mix and pricing.
•The Interventional segment’s gross profit margin was flat in 2023 compared with 2022, which primarily reflected:
◦Favorable impacts from price, continuous improvement projects, and a favorable comparison to the prior-year period, which was unfavorably impacted by certain purchase accounting adjustments; offset by
◦Unfavorable impacts of higher raw material, labor and freight costs.
•Lower selling and administrative expense, as well as research and development expense, as percentages of revenues in 2024 compared with 2023, and in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily reflected revenue growth that outpaced spending.
Geographic Revenues
BD’s worldwide revenues by geography were as follows:
U.S. revenue growth in 2024 reflected strong sales in the Medical segment’s Medication Delivery Solutions and Medication Management Solutions units, as well as in the Interventional segment’s Urology and Critical Care unit.
U.S. revenue growth in 2023 was particularly driven by strong sales in the Medical segment’s Medication Management Solutions and Pharmaceutical Systems units and in the Life Sciences segment’s Biosciences unit, as well as by strong sales in the Interventional segment’s Surgery and Urology and Critical Care units. U.S. revenues in 2023 were unfavorably impacted by a decline in COVID-19-only diagnostic testing sales compared with 2022, as discussed further above.
International revenue growth in 2024 was driven by the Medical segment’s Pharmaceutical Systems unit, the Life Sciences segment’s Integrated Diagnostic Solutions unit and the Interventional segment’s Peripheral Intervention unit. International revenue growth in 2024 also reflected the unfavorable impact of a $62 million accrual which resulted from recent developments relating to the Italian government medical device pay back legislation and substantially relates to years prior to the current fiscal year. Additional disclosures regarding this matter are provided in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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International revenue growth in 2023 was particularly driven by strong sales in the Medical segment’s Medication Management Solutions and Pharmaceutical Systems units, and in the Life Sciences segment’s Biosciences unit, as well as by strong sales in the Interventional segment’s Surgery and Peripheral Intervention units. International revenues in 2023 were unfavorably impacted by a decline in COVID-19-only diagnostic testing sales compared with 2022, as discussed further above.
Emerging market revenues were as follows:
Emerging market revenue growth in 2024 primarily reflected strong sales in Latin America and in countries other than China within Greater Asia, partially offset by a decline in China driven by unfavorable market dynamics, as further discussed above. Emerging market revenue growth in 2023 was primarily driven by sales in Latin America, South Asia, and in China, despite unfavorable impacts to China revenues from volume-based procurement programs.
Specified Items
Reflected in the financial results for 2024, 2023 and 2022 were the following specified items:
Integration costs (a) $ 23 $ 67 $ 68
Transaction costs (b) 48 — —
Financing costs (b) (8) — —
Separation-related items (c) 13 14 20
Product, litigation, and other items (e) 346 554 268
European regulatory initiative-related costs (f) 104 139 146
Impacts of debt extinguishment — — 24
Less: tax impact of specified items 297 399 366
(a)Represents amounts associated with restructuring and integration activities which are recorded in Integration, restructuring and transaction expense and are further discussed below.
(b)Represents transaction costs, which are recorded in Integration, restructuring and transaction expense, and financing impacts, which are recorded in Interest income and Interest expense, associated with the Advanced Patient Monitoring acquisition.
(c)Represents costs recorded to Other operating expense (income), net and incurred in connection with the separation of BD's former Diabetes Care business.
(d)Includes amortization and other adjustments related to the purchase accounting for acquisitions. BD’s amortization expense is recorded in Cost of products sold.
(e)Includes certain (income) expense items which are not part of ordinary operations and affect the comparability of the periods presented. Such items may include certain product remediation costs, certain product liability and legal defense costs, certain investment gains and losses, certain asset impairment charges, and certain pension settlement costs. The amount in 2024 was primarily recorded to Revenues
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and Other operating expense (income), net, and largely related to legislative and legal matters, as further discussed above in our geographic revenue discussion and further below in our discussion of Other operating expense (income), net. Additional disclosures regarding these legislative and legal matters are provided in Notes 6 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The amounts in 2024, 2023 and 2022 included net charges within Cost of products sold of $38 million, $653 million and $72 million, respectively, to record or adjust future costs estimated for product remediation efforts. The amounts in 2023 and 2022 also included pension settlement costs of $57 million and $73 million, respectively, which were recorded to Other expense, net. The amount in 2022 also includes a charge of $54 million related to a noncash asset impairment, which was recorded to Cost of products sold. The amounts in 2023 and 2022 additionally include certain amounts recorded to Other operating expense (income), net, which are detailed further below.
(f)Represents costs incurred to develop processes and systems to establish initial compliance with the European Union Medical Device Regulation and the European Union In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation, which represent a significant, unusual change to the existing regulatory framework. We consider these costs to be duplicative of previously incurred costs and/or one-off costs, which are limited to a specific period of time. These expenses, which are recorded in Cost of products sold and Research and development expense, include the cost of labor, other services and consulting (in particular, research and development and clinical trials) and supplies, travel and other miscellaneous costs.
Gross Profit Margin
The comparisons of gross profit margins in 2024 and 2023 with the prior-year periods reflected the following impacts:
Gross profit margin % prior-year period 42.2 % 44.9 %
Operating performance 0.7 % 0.1 %
Foreign currency impact (0.9) % (0.3) %
Gross profit margin % current-year period 45.2 % 42.2 %
The favorable impact on gross margin from specified items in 2024 compared with 2023 reflected a favorable comparison to specified items recorded in 2023, which included $653 million of charges recorded in the Medical segment to adjust the estimate of future product remediation costs, as noted above, partially offset by an unfavorable impact of $59 million due to a fair value step-up adjustment recorded by the Medical segment in 2024 relating to Advanced Patient Monitoring's inventory on the acquisition date.
The impact of other specified items on gross margin in 2023 compared with 2022 reflected the $653 million of charges recorded in 2023 as noted above related to product remediation efforts, compared with charges in 2022 related to the same efforts of $72 million. The impact of other specified item in 2023 compared with 2022 additionally reflected a non-cash asset impairment charge of $54 million recorded by the Medical segment in 2022.
Operating performance in 2024 and 2023 reflected lower manufacturing costs resulting from our ongoing continuous improvement projects and other productivity initiatives, as well as a favorable impact from pricing. These favorable impacts to operating performance in 2024 were partially offset by higher raw material and labor costs and an unfavorable absorption impact of planned inventory reductions. Operating performance in 2023 was unfavorably impacted by higher raw material, labor and freight costs.
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Operating Expenses
Operating expenses in 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Increase (decrease) in basis points
Integration, restructuring and transaction expense $ 458 $ 313 $ 192
Other operating expense (income), net $ 222 $ (210) $ 37
Selling and administrative
Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of revenues in 2024 was lower compared with 2023, which primarily reflected higher revenues and lower shipping costs in the current-year period, partially offset by higher selling costs.
Lower selling and administrative expense as a percentage of revenues in 2023 compared with 2022 primarily reflected higher revenues in 2023 and favorable foreign currency translation, partially offset by higher selling costs in 2023, as well as an increase in our deferred compensation plan liability due to market performance. The investment gains on deferred compensation plan assets were recorded to Other expense, net.
Research and development
Lower research and development expense as a percentage of revenues in 2024 compared with 2023, and in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily reflected the progression of current projects and revenue growth that outpaced project spending. Spending in 2024, 2023 and 2022 reflected our continued commitment to invest in new products and platforms.
Integration, restructuring and transaction expense
Integration expense in 2024, 2023 and 2022 primarily included costs related to system integrations and our 2022 acquisition of Parata Systems. Restructuring expense in 2024, 2023 and 2022 primarily included restructuring costs related to simplification and other cost-saving initiatives. Transaction costs in 2024 included legal, advisory and other costs, relating to our agreement to acquire Advanced Patient Monitoring. For further disclosures regarding the costs relating to restructurings, refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Other operating expense (income), net
Other operating expense (income) in 2024, 2023 and 2022 included the following items which are further discussed in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
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Other amounts recorded for legal matters (see Note 6) 79 — —
Separation-related items 13 14 20
Gain recognized on sale of business (see Note 2) — (268) —
Other operating expense (income), net $ 222 $ (210) $ 37
Net Interest Expense
Higher interest expense in 2024 compared with 2023 primarily reflected higher overall interest rates on debt outstanding, as well as higher total debt outstanding at September 30, 2024 compared with September 30, 2023, which reflected debt issued in our third quarter of fiscal year 2024 to fund the cash consideration payable upon our acquisition of Advanced Patient Monitoring. Higher interest expense in 2023 compared with 2022 was largely attributable to the higher levels of commercial paper borrowings outstanding throughout 2023 and higher overall interest rates on debt outstanding. Additional disclosures regarding our financing arrangements and debt instruments are provided in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Higher interest income in 2024 compared with 2023, and in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily reflected higher overall interest rates and levels of cash on hand during the current-year periods, compared with the prior-year periods.
Income Taxes
The income tax rates for continuing operations in 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Effective income tax rate for continuing operations 15.0 % 7.9 % 8.3 %
Impact, in basis points, from specified items 150 (500) (500)
The effective income tax rate for continuing operations in 2024 compared with 2023 primarily reflected the impact of more favorable discrete items recorded in 2023. The effective income tax rate for continuing operations in 2023 compared with 2022 primarily reflected the impact of a remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities upon the approval of a tax incentive.
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Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations
Net income and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in 2024, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 5.86 $ 5.10 $ 5.38
Unfavorable impact-specified items $ 7.28 $ 7.11 $ 5.97
(Unfavorable) favorable impact-foreign currency impact $ (0.56) $ (0.37) $ 0.14
Financial Instrument Market Risk
We selectively use financial instruments to manage market risk, primarily foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk relating to our ongoing business operations. The counterparties to these contracts are highly rated financial institutions. We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Additional disclosures regarding our derivative instruments are provided in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Foreign Exchange Risk
BD and its subsidiaries transact business in various foreign currencies throughout Europe, Greater Asia, Canada and Latin America. We face foreign currency exposure from the effect of fluctuating exchange rates on payables and receivables relating to transactions that are denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. These payables and receivables primarily arise from intercompany transactions. We hedge substantially all such exposures, primarily through the use of forward contracts. We have also hedged the currency exposure associated with investments in certain foreign subsidiaries with instruments such as foreign currency-denominated debt and cross-currency swaps, which are designated as net investment hedges, as well as currency exchange contracts. In order to mitigate transactional foreign currency exposures resulting from anticipated intercompany purchases and sales, we have hedged a portion of this currency risk with certain instruments such as foreign exchange forward and option contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges. We also face currency exposure that arises from translating the results of our worldwide operations, including sales, to the U.S. dollar at exchange rates that have fluctuated from the beginning of a reporting period. We did not enter into contracts to hedge cash flows against these foreign currency impacts in fiscal year 2024 or 2023.
Derivative financial instruments are recorded on our balance sheet at fair value. For foreign currency derivatives, market risk is determined by calculating the impact on fair value of an assumed change in foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. Fair values were estimated based upon observable inputs, specifically spot currency rates and foreign currency prices for similar assets and liabilities.
With respect to the foreign currency derivative instruments outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 2023, the impact that changes in the U.S. dollar would have on pre-tax earnings was estimated as follows:
Increase (decrease)
10% appreciation in U.S. dollar $ (143) $ (100)
10% depreciation in U.S. dollar $ 147 $ 100
These calculations do not reflect the impact of exchange gains or losses on the underlying transactions that would substantially offset the results of the derivative instruments.
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Interest Rate Risk
When managing interest rate exposures, we strive to achieve an appropriate balance between fixed and floating rate instruments. We may enter into interest rate swaps to help maintain this balance and manage debt and interest-bearing investments in tandem, since these items have an offsetting impact on interest rate exposure. For interest rate derivative instruments, fair values are measured based upon the present value of expected future cash flows using market-based observable inputs including credit risk and interest rate yield curves. Market risk for these instruments is determined by calculating the impact to fair value of an assumed change in interest rates across all maturities.
The impact that changes in interest rates would have on interest rate derivatives outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 2023, as well as the effect that changes in interest rates would have on our earnings or cash flows over a one-year period, based upon our overall interest rate exposure, were estimated as follows:
10% increase in interest rates $ (12) $ (3) $ 5 $ 2
10% decrease in interest rates $ 12 $ 2 $ (5) $ (2)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our strong financial position and cash flow performance have provided us with the capacity to accelerate our innovation pipeline through investments in research and development, as well as through strategic acquisitions. We believe that our available cash and cash equivalents, our ability to generate operating cash flow, and if needed, our access to borrowings from our financing facilities provide us with sufficient liquidity to satisfy our foreseeable operating needs. The following table summarizes our consolidated statement of cash flows in 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Net cash provided by (used for) continuing operations
Net Cash Flows from Continuing Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities in 2024 was largely driven by our net income, adjusted by a change in operating assets and liabilities that was a net source of cash. This net source of cash primarily reflected higher levels of accounts payable and accrued expenses, as well as lower levels of inventory, which reflects our continued efforts to optimize inventory levels, partially offset by higher levels of trade receivables. Cash flows from operating activities in 2024 additionally reflected a discretionary cash contribution of $150 million to fund our pension obligation.
Cash flows from continuing operating activities in 2023 reflected net income, adjusted by a change in operating assets and liabilities that was a net use of cash, which was significantly lower than the net use of cash in 2022 due to efforts in 2023 to optimize inventory levels. The net use of cash in 2023 primarily reflected lower levels of accounts payable and accrued expenses, as well as higher levels of trade receivables, partially offset by lower levels of prepaid expenses.
Cash flows from continuing operating activities in 2022 reflected net income, adjusted by a change in operating assets and liabilities that was a net use of cash. This net use of cash primarily reflected higher levels
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of inventory and prepaid expenses, as well as lower levels of accounts payable and accrued expenses. Cash flows from continuing operating activities in 2022 additionally reflected a discretionary cash contribution of $134 million to fund our pension obligation.
Net Cash Flows from Continuing Investing Activities
Capital expenditures
Our investments in capital expenditures are focused on projects that enhance our cost structure and manufacturing capabilities, as well as support our BD 2025 strategy for growth and simplification. Capital expenditures of $725 million, $874 million and $973 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, primarily related to manufacturing capacity expansions. Details of spending by segment are contained in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Purchases of investments, net
Cash outflows from continuing investing activities in 2024 included net purchases of investments, primarily in time deposits, of $421 million.
Acquisitions
Cash outflows for acquisitions in 2024 was attributable to the acquisition of Advanced Patient Monitoring in the fourth quarter of 2024. Cash outflows for acquisitions in 2022 reflected consideration of $1.548 billion associated with our acquisition of Parata Systems in the fourth quarter of 2022, as well as cash payments relating to various strategic acquisitions we have executed as part of our growth strategy, including our acquisitions of MedKeeper, Scanwell Health, Inc, Tissuemed, Ltd., and Venclose, Inc.
Divestitures
Cash inflows relating to our divestiture of the Interventional segment's Surgical Instrumentation platform in 2023 were $540 million. For further discussion, refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Net Cash Flows from Continuing Financing Activities
Net cash from continuing financing activities in 2024, 2023 and 2022 included the following significant cash flows:
Cash inflow (outflow)
Share repurchases $ (500) $ — $ (500)
Distribution from Embecta Corp. (see Note 2) $ — $ — $ 1,266
Net transfer of cash to Embecta upon spin-off $ — $ — $ (265)
Additional disclosures regarding the equity and debt-related financing activities detailed above are provided in Notes 4 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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Debt-Related Activities
Certain measures relating to our total debt were as follows:
Weighted average cost of total debt 3.4 % 3.0 % 2.8 %
Total debt as a percentage of total capital (a) 42.9 % 37.2 % 37.3 %
(a) Represents shareholders’ equity, net non-current deferred income tax liabilities, and debt.
Additional disclosures regarding our debt instruments are provided in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Cash and Short-term Investments
At September 30, 2024, total worldwide cash and equivalents and short-term investments, including restricted cash, were $2.301 billion. More than half of these assets were held in the United States. We regularly review the amount of cash and short-term investments held outside of the United States and our historical foreign earnings are used to fund foreign investments or meet foreign working capital and property, plant and equipment expenditure needs. To fund cash needs in the United States, we rely on ongoing cash flow from U.S. operations, access to capital markets and remittances from foreign subsidiaries of earnings that are not considered to be permanently reinvested.
Financing Facilities
We have a senior unsecured revolving credit facility in place which will expire in September 2027. The credit facility provides borrowings of up to $2.750 billion, with separate sub-limits of $100 million and $194 million for letters of credit and swingline loans, respectively. The expiration date of the credit facility, which was extended in July 2024, may be extended for up to one additional one-year period, subject to certain restrictions (including the consent of the lenders). The credit facility provides that we may, subject to additional commitments by lenders, request an additional $500 million of financing, for a maximum aggregate commitment under the credit facility of up to $3.250 billion. Proceeds from this facility may be used for general corporate purposes and Becton Dickinson Euro Finance S.à r.l., an indirect, wholly owned finance subsidiary of BD, is authorized as an additional borrower under the credit facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2024.
The agreement for our revolving credit facility contains the following financial covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants, as applicable, as of September 30, 2024.
•We are required to have a leverage coverage ratio of no more than:
◦4.25-to-1 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter following the closing of the credit facility; or
◦4.75-to-1 for the four full fiscal quarters following the consummation of a material acquisition.
We may access commercial paper programs over the normal course of our business activities. Our U.S. and multicurrency euro commercial paper programs provide for a maximum amount of unsecured borrowings under the two programs, in aggregate, of $2.750 billion. Proceeds from these programs may be used for working capital purposes and general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions, share repurchases and repayments of debt. We had $400 million of commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2024. We have additional informal lines of credit outside the United States. Also, over the normal course of our business activities, we transfer certain trade receivable assets to third parties under factoring agreements. Additional disclosures regarding sales of trade receivable assets are provided in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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Access to Capital and Credit Ratings
Our corporate credit ratings with the rating agencies Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (“S&P”), Moody's Investors Service (“Moody's”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) were as follows at September 30, 2024:
S&P Moody’s Fitch
Ratings:
Senior Unsecured Debt BBB Baa2 BBB
Commercial Paper A-2 P-2 F2
Outlook Stable Stable Stable
Our corporate credit ratings at September 30, 2024 were unchanged compared with our ratings at September 30, 2023.
Lower corporate debt ratings and downgrades of our corporate credit ratings or other credit ratings may increase our cost of borrowing. We believe that given our debt ratings, our financial management policies, our ability to generate cash flow and the diversified nature of our businesses, we would have access to additional short-term and long-term capital should the need arise. A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Ratings can be revised upward or downward at any time by a rating agency if such rating agency decides that circumstances warrant such a change.
Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business, we enter into contracts and commitments that obligate us to make payments in the future. Information regarding our obligations under purchase, debt and lease arrangements are provided in Notes 6, 16 and 18, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following discussion supplements the descriptions of our accounting policies contained in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Some of those judgments can be subjective and complex and, consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. For any given estimate or assumption made by management, it is possible that other people applying reasonable judgment to the same facts and circumstances could develop different estimates. Actual results that differ from management’s estimates could have an unfavorable effect on our consolidated financial statements. Management believes the following policy areas require more significant judgment:
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues are primarily recognized when the customer obtains control of the product sold, which is generally upon shipment or delivery, depending on the delivery terms specified in the sales agreement. Revenues associated with certain instruments and equipment for which installation is complex, and therefore significantly affects the customer’s ability to use and benefit from the product, are recognized when customer acceptance of these installed products has been confirmed. For leases and for certain service arrangements, including extended warranty and software maintenance contracts, revenue is recognized ratably over the contract term. The majority of revenues relating to extended warranty contracts associated with certain
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instruments and equipment is generally recognized within a few years whereas deferred revenue relating to software maintenance contracts is generally recognized over a longer period.
Our agreements with customers within certain organizational units including Medication Management Solutions, Integrated Diagnostic Solutions and Biosciences, contain multiple performance obligations including both products and certain services noted above. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately may require judgment. The transaction price for these agreements is allocated to each performance obligation based upon its relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling price is the amount at which we would sell a promised good or service separately to a customer. We generally estimate standalone selling prices using list prices and a consideration of typical discounts offered to customers. The use of alternative estimates could result in a different amount of revenue deferral.
Our gross revenues are subject to a variety of deductions, including rebates. These deductions represent estimates of the related obligations and judgment is required when determining the impact on gross revenues for a reporting period. Additional factors considered in the estimate of our rebate liability include the quantification of inventory that is either in stock at or in transit to our distributors, as well as the estimated lag time between the sale of product and the payment of corresponding rebates.
Impairment of Assets
Goodwill assets are subject to impairment reviews at least annually, or whenever indicators of impairment arise. Intangible assets with finite lives, including developed technology, and other long-lived assets, are periodically reviewed for impairment when impairment indicators are present.
We assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. Our reporting units represent one level below reporting segments. Our review of goodwill for each reporting unit compares the fair value of the reporting unit, estimated using an income approach, with its carrying value. Our annual goodwill impairment test performed on July 1, 2024 did not result in any impairment charges, as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.
We generally use the income approach to derive the fair value for impairment assessments. This approach calculates fair value by estimating future cash flows attributable to the assets and then discounting these cash flows to a present value using a risk-adjusted discount rate. We selected this method because we believe the income approach most appropriately measures the value of our income producing assets. This approach requires significant management judgment with respect to future volume, revenue and expense growth rates, changes in working capital use, appropriate discount rates, terminal values and other assumptions and estimates. The estimates and assumptions used are consistent with BD’s business plans. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of the asset. Actual results may differ from management’s estimates.
Income Taxes
BD maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in our tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, management evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.
BD conducts business and files tax returns in numerous countries and currently has tax audits in progress in a number of tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, we record accruals for uncertain tax positions based on the technical support for the positions, our past audit experience with similar situations, and the potential interest and penalties related to the matters. BD’s effective tax rate in any given period could be impacted if, upon resolution with taxing authorities, we prevailed in
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positions for which reserves have been established, or we were required to pay amounts in excess of established reserves.
We have reviewed our needs in the United States for possible repatriation of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and we continue to invest foreign subsidiaries earnings outside of the United States to fund foreign investments or meet foreign working capital and property, plant and equipment expenditure needs. As a result, we are permanently reinvested with respect to all of our historical foreign earnings as of September 30, 2024. Additional disclosures regarding our accounting for income taxes are provided in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Contingencies
We are involved, both as a plaintiff and a defendant, in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, product liability and environmental matters, as further discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. We establish accruals to the extent future losses for individual matters are probable and reasonably estimable based upon our assessment of the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes relative to these matters, as well as the potential ranges of probable losses. Given the uncertain nature of litigation generally, we are not able in all cases to reasonably estimate the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the litigation to which we are a party.
When appropriate, accruals are developed with the consultation of outside counsel regarding the nature, timing and extent of each matter. The accruals may change in the future as new information for an individual matter becomes available or due to changes in our litigation strategy. We record expected recoveries, up to the amount of loss recognized, from product liability insurance carriers or other parties when realization of recovery is deemed probable.
Given the uncertain nature of litigation, we could incur charges in excess of any currently established accruals and, to the extent available, liability insurance. In the opinion of management, any such future charges, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on BD’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and/or consolidated cash flows.
Benefit Plans
We have significant net pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations and costs that are measured using actuarial valuations which include assumptions for the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. These assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. In addition to the analysis below, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for additional discussion.
The discount rate is selected each year based on investment grade bonds and other factors as of the measurement date (September 30). Specifically for the U.S. plans, we will use a discount rate of 4.98% for 2025, which was based on an actuarially-determined, company-specific yield curve to measure liabilities as of the measurement date. To calculate the pension expense in 2025, we will apply the individual spot rates along the yield curve that correspond with the timing of each future cash outflow for benefit payments in order to calculate interest cost and service cost. Additional disclosures regarding the method to be used in calculating the interest cost and service cost components of pension expense for 2025 are provided in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption, although reviewed each year, changes less frequently due to the long-term nature of the assumption. This assumption does not impact the measurement of assets or liabilities as of the measurement date; rather, it is used only in the calculation of pension expense. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider many factors, including our historical assumptions compared with actual results; benchmark data; expected returns on various plan asset classes, as well as current and expected asset allocations. We will use a long-term expected rate of return on
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plan assets assumption of 7.5% for the U.S. pension plan in 2025. We believe our discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumptions are appropriate based upon the above factors.
Sensitivity to changes in key assumptions for our U.S. pension and other postretirement and postemployment plans are as follows:
•Discount rate — A change of plus (minus) 25 basis points, with other assumptions held constant, would have an estimated $1 million favorable (unfavorable) impact on the total U.S. net pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit plan costs. This estimate assumes no change in the shape or steepness of the company-specific yield curve used to plot the individual spot rates that will be applied to the future cash outflows for future benefit payments in order to calculate interest and service cost.
•Expected return on plan assets — A change of plus (minus) 25 basis points, with other assumptions held constant, would have an estimated $4 million favorable (unfavorable) impact on U.S. pension plan costs.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. BD and its representatives may also, from time to time, make certain forward-looking statements in publicly released materials, both written and oral, including statements contained in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, and our reports to shareholders. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and other words of similar meaning in conjunction with, among other things, discussions of future operations and financial performance (including volume growth, pricing, sales and earnings per share growth, and cash flows) and statements regarding our strategy for growth, liquidity, future product development, regulatory approvals, competitive position and expenditures. All statements that address our future operating performance or events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are, and will be, based on management’s then-current views and assumptions regarding future events, developments and operating performance, and speak only as of their dates. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from our expectations and projections. Investors are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Furthermore, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or regulations.
The following are some important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statements. For further discussion of certain of these factors, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report and our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
•General global, regional or national economic downturns and macroeconomic trends, including heightened inflation, capital market volatility, interest rate and currency rate fluctuations, and economic slowdown or recession, that may result in unfavorable conditions that could negatively affect demand for our products and services, impact the prices we can charge for our products and services, disrupt our transportation networks or other aspects of our supply chain, impair our ability to produce our products, or increase borrowing costs.
•The impact of inflation and disruptions in our global supply chain on BD and our suppliers (particularly sole-source suppliers and providers of sterilization services), including fluctuations in the cost and availability of oil-based resins and other raw materials, as well as certain components, used in the production or sterilization of our products, transportation constraints, disruptions and delays, product shortages, energy shortages or increased energy costs, labor shortages or disputes, and increased operating and labor costs.
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•Conditions in international markets, including social and political conditions, geopolitical developments such as the continuation and/or escalation of the evolving situations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Asia, civil unrest, political conflict, terrorist activity, governmental changes, restrictions on the ability to transfer capital across borders, economic sanctions, export controls, tariffs and other protectionist measures, barriers to market participation (such as local company and products preferences), difficulties in protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights, and governmental expropriation of assets. Our international operations also increase our compliance risks, including risks under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption and bribery laws, as well as regulatory and privacy laws.
•Cost-containment efforts in the U.S. or in other countries in which we do business, such as alternative payment reform, government-imposed pay back provisions, increased use of competitive bidding and tenders, including, without limitation, any expansion of the volume-based procurement process in China or the implementation of similar cost-containment efforts.
•Competitive factors that could adversely affect our operations, including new product introductions and technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence, by our current or future competitors, consolidation or strategic alliances among healthcare companies, distributors and/or payers of healthcare to improve their competitive position or develop new models for the delivery of healthcare, increased pricing pressure due to the impact of low-cost manufacturers, patents attained by competitors (particularly as patents on our products expire), new entrants into our markets and changes in the practice of medicine.
•Changes in the way healthcare services are delivered, including transition of more care from acute to non-acute settings and increased focus on chronic disease management, which may affect the demand for our products and services. Additionally, budget constraints and staffing shortages, particularly shortages of nursing staff, may affect the prioritization of healthcare services, which could also impact the demand for certain of our products and services.
•Our ability to achieve our projected level or mix of product sales, as our earnings forecasts are based on projected sales volumes and pricing of many product types, some of which are more profitable than others.
•Changes in coverage policies or reimbursement levels, or adverse decisions relating to our products and services by governments or third-party payers, which could reduce demand for our products or the price we can charge for such products.
•Product efficacy or safety concerns or non-compliance with applicable regulatory requirements regarding our products (such as non-compliance of our products with registration requirements resulting from modifications to such products, or other factors, including, but not limited to, with respect to BD AlarisTM pumps and related sets and BD VacutainerTM) resulting in product recalls, lost revenue or other actions being taken with respect to products in the field or the ability to continue selling new products to customers (including restrictions on future product clearances and civil penalties), product liability or other claims and damage to our reputation. As a result of the CareFusion acquisition, our U.S. infusion pump business is operating under a Consent Decree with the FDA. The Consent Decree authorizes the FDA, in the event of any violations in the future, to order our U.S. infusion pump business to cease manufacturing and distributing products, recall products or take other actions, and order the payment of significant monetary damages if the business subject to the decree fails to comply with any provision of the Consent Decree. In accordance with our commitments to the FDA, the overall timing of replacement or remediation of the BD AlarisTM Infusion Systems and return to market in the U.S. may be impacted by, among other things, customer readiness, supply continuity and our continued engagement with the FDA.
•Changes in the domestic and foreign healthcare industry, in medical practices or in patient preferences that result in a reduction in procedures using our products or increased pricing pressures, including cost-reduction measures instituted by and the continued consolidation among healthcare providers.
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•The effects of regulatory or other events (such as public health crises) that adversely impact our supply chain, including our ability to manufacture (including sterilize) our products (particularly where production of a product line or sterilization operations are concentrated in one or a few plants), source materials or components or services from suppliers (including sole-source suppliers) that are needed for such manufacturing (including sterilization), or provide products to our customers, including events that impact key distributors. In particular, there has been increased regulatory focus on the use and emission of ethylene oxide in sterilization processes, and additional regulatory requirements may be imposed in the future that could adversely impact BD or our third-party sterilization providers.
•IT system disruptions, breaches or breakdowns, including through cyberattacks, ransom attacks or cyber-intrusion, which could impair our ability or that of our customers, suppliers and other business partners to conduct business, result in the loss of BD trade secrets or otherwise compromise sensitive information of BD or its customers, suppliers and other business partners, or of patients, including sensitive personal data, or result in efficacy or safety concerns for certain of our products, and result in investigations, legal proceedings, liability, expense or reputational damage or actions by regulatory bodies or civil litigation.
•Difficulties inherent in product development, including the potential inability to successfully continue technological innovation, successfully complete clinical trials, obtain and maintain regulatory approvals and registrations in the U.S. and abroad, obtain intellectual property protection for our products, obtain coverage and adequate reimbursement for new products, or gain and maintain market approval of products, as well as the possibility of infringement claims by competitors with respect to patents or other intellectual property rights, all of which could preclude or delay commercialization of a product. Delays in obtaining necessary approvals or clearances from the FDA or other regulatory agencies or changes in the regulatory process may also delay product launches and increase development costs.
•The impact of changes in U.S. federal or foreign laws and policies that could affect fiscal and tax policies, taxation (including tax reforms, such as the implementation of a global minimum tax, that could adversely impact multinational corporations), and international trade, including import and export regulation and international trade agreements. In particular, tariffs, sanctions or other trade barriers imposed by the U.S. or other countries could adversely impact our supply chain costs or otherwise adversely impact our results of operations.
•Deficit reduction efforts or other actions that reduce the availability of government funding for healthcare and research, which could weaken demand for our products and result in additional pricing pressures, as well as create potential collection risks associated with such sales.
•Fluctuations in university or U.S. and international governmental funding and policies for life sciences research.
•The impact of business combinations or divestitures, including any volatility in earnings relating to acquisition-related costs, and our ability to successfully integrate any business we may acquire.
•Risks relating to our overall level of indebtedness, including our ability to service our debt and refinance our indebtedness, which is dependent upon the capital markets and the overall macroeconomic environment and our financial condition at such time.
•Any impact that public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics may have on our business, the global economy and the global healthcare system. This may include decreases in the demand for our products, disruptions to our operations or the operations of our suppliers and customers, disruptions to our supply chain, or increases in transportation costs.
•The risks associated with the qualification of the spin-off of our former Diabetes Care business as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
•Our ability to penetrate or expand our operations in emerging markets, which depends on local economic and political conditions, and how well we are able to make necessary infrastructure enhancements to production facilities and distribution networks.
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•Our ability to recruit and retain key employees and the impact of labor conditions which could increase employee turnover or increase our labor and operating costs and negatively affect our ability to efficiently operate our business.
•Fluctuations in the demand for products we sell to pharmaceutical companies that are used to manufacture, or are sold with, the products of such companies, as a result of funding constraints, consolidation or otherwise.
•The impact of climate change, or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change, such as regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, zero-carbon energy and sustainability mandates and related disclosure requirements, and additional taxes on fuel and energy, and changing customer and other stakeholder preferences and requirements, such as those regarding the use of materials of concern, increased demand for products with lower environmental footprints, and for companies to set and demonstrate progress against sustainability goals and greenhouse gas reduction targets.
•Natural disasters, including the impacts of hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, fires, earthquakes and floods and other extreme weather events, global health pandemics, war, terrorism, labor disruptions and international conflicts that could cause significant economic disruption and political and social instability, resulting in decreased demand for our products, adversely affect our manufacturing and distribution capabilities or cause interruptions in our supply chain.
•Pending and potential future litigation or other proceedings asserting, and/or investigations concerning and/or subpoenas and requests seeking information with respect to, alleged violations of law (including in connection with federal and/or state healthcare programs (such as Medicare or Medicaid) and/or sales and marketing practices (such as investigative subpoenas and the civil investigative demands received by BD)), potential anti-corruption and related internal control violations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, antitrust claims, securities law claims, environmental and product liability matters (including pending claims relating to ethlyene oxide, our hernia repair implant products, surgical continence and pelvic organ prolapse products for women, vena cava filter products and implantable ports, which involve, or could involve in the future, lawsuits seeking class action status or seeking to establish multi-district or other consolidated proceedings), data privacy breaches and patent infringement, and the availability or collectability of insurance relating to any such claims.
•New or changing laws and regulations affecting our domestic and foreign operations, or changes in enforcement practices, including, without limitation, laws relating to sales practices, environmental protection and reporting, price controls, privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, employment, labor, and licensing and regulatory requirements for new products and products in the post-marketing phase. In particular, the U.S. and other countries may impose new requirements regarding registration, labeling or prohibited materials that may require us to re-register products already on the market or otherwise impact our ability to market our products. Environmental laws, particularly with respect to the emission of greenhouse gases, are also becoming more stringent throughout the world, which may increase our costs of operations or necessitate changes in our manufacturing plants or processes or those of our suppliers, or result in liability to BD.
•The effect of adverse media exposure or other publicity regarding BD’s business or operations, including the effect on BD’s reputation or demand for its products.
•The effect of market fluctuations on the value of assets in BD’s pension plans and on actuarial interest rate and asset return assumptions, which could require BD to make additional contributions to the plans or increase our pension plan expense.
•Our ability to obtain the anticipated benefits of restructuring programs, if any, that we may undertake.
The foregoing list sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could impact our ability to achieve results described in any forward-looking statements. Investors should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The information required by this item is included in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and in Notes 1, 14 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Reports of Management
Management’s Responsibilities
The following financial statements have been prepared by management in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include, where required, amounts based on the best estimates and judgments of management. The integrity and objectivity of data in the financial statements and elsewhere in this Annual Report are the responsibility of management.
In fulfilling its responsibilities for the integrity of the data presented and to safeguard the Company’s assets, management employs a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance, at appropriate cost, that the Company’s assets are protected and that transactions are appropriately authorized, recorded and summarized. This system of control is supported by the selection of qualified personnel, by organizational assignments that provide appropriate delegation of authority and division of responsibilities, and by the dissemination of written policies and procedures. This control structure is further reinforced by a program of internal audits, including a policy that requires responsive action by management.
The Board of Directors monitors the internal control system, including internal accounting and financial reporting controls, through its Audit Committee, which consists of five independent Directors. The Audit Committee meets periodically with the independent registered public accounting firm, the internal auditors and management to review the work of each and to satisfy itself that they are properly discharging their responsibilities. The independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee and meet with its members, with and without management present, to discuss the scope and results of their audits including internal control, auditing and financial reporting matters.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).
On September 3, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care product group (“Critical Care”), which was renamed as BD Advanced Patient Monitoring (“Advanced Patient Monitoring”). While the Company has extended its oversight and monitoring processes that support its internal control over financial reporting, as well as its disclosure controls and procedures, the Company continues to integrate the acquired operations of Advanced Patient Monitoring. As such, the Company has excluded Advanced Patient Monitoring from its evaluation of internal control over financial reporting. This exclusion is in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's general guidance that a recently acquired business may be omitted from the assessment scope for up to one year from the date of acquisition. The Advanced Patient Monitoring business had total assets that represented approximately 2% of the Company's consolidated total assets at September 30, 2024, and total revenues that represented less than 1% of the Company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2024.
Based on the Company's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the criteria noted above, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2024.
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The financial statements and internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young’s reports with respect to fairness of the presentation of the financial statements, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, are included herein.
/s/ Thomas E. Polen /s/ Christopher J. DelOrefice
Thomas E. Polen Christopher J. DelOrefice
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Becton, Dickinson and Company (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of
September 30, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework),and our report dated November 27, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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Business Combination
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Income taxes — Uncertain tax positions
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1959.
New York, New York
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Becton, Dickinson and Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Becton, Dickinson and Company (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2024, based on the COSO criteria.
As indicated in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of BD Advanced Patient Monitoring, which is included in the 2024 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 2% of total assets as of September 30, 2024 and less than 1% of revenues for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of BD Advanced Patient Monitoring.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2024, and the related notesand our report dated November 27, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
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Consolidated Statements of Income
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Years Ended September 30
Integration, restructuring and transaction expense 458 313 192
Other operating expense (income), net 222 (210) 37
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes 2,005 1,662 1,783
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax — (46) 144
Preferred stock dividends — (60) (90)
Net income applicable to common shareholders $ 1,705 $ 1,424 $ 1,689
Basic Earnings per Share
Income from Continuing Operations $ 5.88 $ 5.14 $ 5.42
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations — (0.16) 0.50
Diluted Earnings per Share
Income from Continuing Operations $ 5.86 $ 5.10 $ 5.38
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations — (0.16) 0.50
Diluted Earnings per Share $ 5.86 $ 4.94 $ 5.88
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Years Ended September 30
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments (166) (91) 305
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans 14 4 210
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale debt securities (1) — —
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax (184) (60) 600
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Balance Sheets
Becton, Dickinson and Company
September 30
Millions of dollars, except per share amounts and numbers of shares 2024 2023
Assets
Current Assets
Short-term investments 445 8
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 6,821 6,557
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Salaries, wages and related items 1,246 1,115
Long-Term Employee Benefit Obligations 942 1,023
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Liabilities 3,558 4,582
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 6)
Shareholders’ Equity
Deferred compensation 25 24
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,732) (1,548)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity $ 57,286 $ 52,780
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Years Ended September 30
Operating Activities
Less: (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax — (46) 144
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,705 1,530 1,635
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts payable, income taxes and other liabilities 625 (517) (473)
Gain on sale of business — (268) —
Product remediation-related charges 38 653 72
Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operating Activities 3,844 2,990 2,471
Investing Activities
Purchases of investments, net (421) — —
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (3,924) — (2,070)
Proceeds from divestitures, net — 540 —
Net Cash Used for Continuing Investing Activities (5,514) (716) (3,220)
Financing Activities
Distribution from Embecta Corp. (see Note 2) — — 1,266
Net transfer of cash to Embecta upon spin-off — — (265)
Repurchase of common stock (500) — (500)
Discontinued Operations:
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities (46) (1) 163
Net cash used for investing activities — — (11)
Net cash provided by financing activities — — 145
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Discontinued Operations (46) (1) 298
Opening Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash 1,481 1,159 2,392
Closing Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash $ 1,856 $ 1,481 $ 1,159
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Millions of dollars, except per share amounts or as otherwise specified
Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Becton, Dickinson and Company (the "Company" or "BD") have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). Within the financial statements and tables presented, certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes. Percentages and earnings per share amounts presented are calculated from the underlying amounts. Our fiscal year ends on September 30.
On April 1, 2022, the Company completed the spin-off of its Diabetes Care business as a separate publicly traded company. The historical results of the Diabetes Care business (previously included in BD’s Medical segment) that was contributed to Embecta Corp ("Embecta") in the spin-off were reflected as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Additional disclosures regarding the spin-off are provided in Note 2.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts and those of its majority-owned subsidiaries after the elimination of intercompany transactions. The Company has no material interests in variable interest entities.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at time of purchase.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists of cash restricted from withdrawal and usage and largely represents funds that are restricted for certain product liability matters, which are further discussed in Note 6.
Trade Receivables
The Company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business and the resulting trade receivables are stated at their net realizable value. The allowance for doubtful accounts represents the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses relating to trade receivables and is determined based on historical experience, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other specific account data. Amounts are written off against the allowances for doubtful accounts when the Company determines that a customer account is not collectable.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of approximate cost or net realizable value determined on the first-in, first-out basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are principally provided on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which range from 20 to 45 years for buildings, four to 20 years for machinery and equipment and one to 20
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
Becton, Dickinson and Company
years for leasehold improvements. Depreciation and amortization expense was $676 million, $696 million and $672 million in fiscal years 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company’s unamortized intangible assets include goodwill that arises from acquisitions of businesses. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment using quantitative models. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. The Company’s reporting units represent one level below reporting segments. The Company reviews goodwill for each reporting unit by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit, estimated using an income approach, with its carrying value. The annual impairment review performed on July 1, 2024 indicated that all identified reporting units’ fair values exceeded their respective carrying values.
Amortized intangible assets include developed technology assets which arise from acquisitions. These assets represent acquired intellectual property that is already technologically feasible upon the acquisition date or acquired in-process research and development assets that are completed subsequent to acquisition. Developed technology assets are generally amortized over periods ranging from 15 to 20 years, using the straight-line method. Customer relationship assets are generally amortized over periods ranging from 10 to 15 years, using the straight-line method. Other intangibles with finite useful lives, which include patents, are amortized over periods principally ranging from one to 40 years, using the straight-line method. Finite-lived intangible assets, including developed technology assets, are periodically reviewed when impairment indicators are present to assess recoverability from future operations using undiscounted cash flows. The carrying values of these finite-lived assets are compared to the undiscounted cash flows they are expected to generate and an impairment loss is recognized in operating results to the extent any finite-lived intangible asset’s carrying value exceeds its calculated fair value.
Foreign Currency Translation
Generally, foreign subsidiaries’ functional currency is the local currency of operations and the net assets of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the foreign currency translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when the customer obtains control of the product, which is generally upon shipment or delivery, depending on the delivery terms specified in the sales agreement. Revenues associated with certain instruments and equipment for which installation is complex, and therefore significantly affects the customer’s ability to use and benefit from the product, are recognized upon customer acceptance of these installed products. Revenue for certain service arrangements, including extended warranty and software maintenance contracts, is recognized ratably over the contract term. When arrangements include multiple performance obligations, the total transaction price of the contract is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised goods or services underlying each performance obligation. Variable consideration such as rebates, sales discounts and sales returns are estimated and treated as a reduction of revenue in the same period the related revenue is recognized. These estimates are based on contractual terms, historical practices, and current trends, and are adjusted as new information becomes available. Revenues exclude any taxes that the Company collects from customers and remits to tax authorities.
Equipment lease transactions with customers are evaluated and classified as either operating or sales-type leases. Generally, these arrangements are accounted for as operating leases and therefore, revenue is recognized at the contracted rate over the rental period defined within the customer agreement.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Additional disclosures regarding the Company's accounting for revenue recognition are provided in Note 7.
Shipping and Handling Costs
The Company considers its shipping and handling costs to be contract fulfillment costs and records them within Selling and administrative expense. Shipping expense was $702 million, $733 million and $751 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Contingencies
The Company establishes accruals for future losses which are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. Additional disclosures regarding the Company's accounting for contingencies are provided in Note 6.
Derivative Financial Instruments
All derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Any deferred gains or losses associated with derivative instruments are recognized in income in the period in which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized. The cash flows related to the Company's derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Cash flows for all other derivatives, including undesignated hedges, are classified in the same line item as the cash flows of the related hedged item, which is generally within operating or financing activities. Additional disclosures regarding the Company's accounting for derivative instruments are provided in Note 14.
Income Taxes
The Company has reviewed its needs in the United States for possible repatriation of undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and continues to invest foreign subsidiaries earnings outside of the United States to fund foreign investments or meet foreign working capital and property, plant and equipment expenditure needs. As a result, the Company is permanently reinvested with respect to all of its historical foreign earnings as of September 30, 2024. Deferred taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.
The Company conducts business and files tax returns in numerous countries and currently has tax audits in progress in a number of tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the exposure associated with various tax filing positions, the Company records accruals for uncertain tax positions based on the technical support for the positions, past audit experience with similar situations, and the potential interest and penalties related to the matters.
The Company maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in the tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, management evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carryback and carryforward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset. Additional disclosures regarding the Company's accounting for income taxes are provided in Note 17.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted on December 22, 2017 and subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") earned by certain foreign subsidiaries.The Company has elected to account for its GILTI tax due as a period expense in the year the tax is incurred.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. In computing diluted earnings per share, only potential common shares that are dilutive (i.e., those that reduce earnings per share or increase loss per share) are included in the calculation.
Fair Value Measurements
A fair value hierarchy is applied to prioritize inputs used in measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are detailed below. Additional disclosures regarding the Company’s fair value measurements are provided in Notes 10 and 15.
Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology which represent unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology which include: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology which are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates or assumptions affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Note 2 — Divestitures
Surgical Instrumentation Platform
The Company completed the sale of its Interventional segment's Surgical Instrumentation platform in August 2023. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $268 million, which was recorded as a component of Other operating expense (income), net in fiscal year 2023. The historical financial results for the Surgical Instrumentation platform have not been classified as a discontinued operation.
Spin-Off of Embecta Corp.
On April 1, 2022, the Company completed the spin-off of its former Diabetes Care business as a separate publicly traded company named Embecta through a distribution of Embecta’s publicly traded common stock (listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "EMBC") to BD’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 22, 2022 (the “record date”). The Company distributed one share of Embecta common stock for every five common shares of BD outstanding as of the record date and shareholders received cash in lieu of fractional shares of Embecta common stock. BD retained no ownership interest in Embecta subsequent to the spin-off. The distribution is expected to qualify and has been treated as tax-free to the Company and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. On March 31, 2022, Embecta used a portion of the proceeds from financing transactions to make a cash distribution of approximately $1.266 billion to the Company.
The Company and Embecta entered into various agreements to effect the spin-off and provide a framework for the relationship between the Company and Embecta after the spin-off. Such agreements include the separation and distribution agreement, as well as the following ongoing agreements: a cannula supply agreement, an intellectual property matters agreement, a transition services agreement, manufacturing and supply agreements, a lease agreement, a distribution agreement to support commercial operations, a logistics services agreement and other agreements including an employee matters agreement and a tax matters agreement. Under these agreements, the Company has continued to provide certain products and services to
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Embecta following the spin-off. The agreements do not provide the Company with the ability to influence the operating or financial policies of Embecta subsequent to the spin-off date. Amounts included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022 as a result of these agreements are detailed in Note 19.
Details of (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, which represent the historical results of the Diabetes Care business prior to the spin-off date of April 1, 2022, are as follows:
Millions of dollars 2022
Cost of products sold 143
Selling and administrative expense 78
Research and development expense 32
Other operating expense, net 95
Total Operating Costs and Expenses 348
Operating Income 190
Interest expense (4)
Income from Discontinued Operations Before Income Taxes 186